Three Ways to Update Your CV During Covid-19
The pandemic has influenced the job market in different ways. There’s nothing that candidates and recruiters can do but adapt to these changes.
If you need a new job, start with updating your resume to reflect the new reality and catch the recruiter’s eye. Here are three ways to do it.
- Retrenched or unemployed? Explain the CV gaps
There is no shame in mentioning that you have been retrenched due to Covid-19’s impact on your former industry/company; hence you are in the market for a new opportunity.
Writing down this fact helps recruiters understand your current position and be more accepting of your employment gap. However, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be asked to fill the gaps with your career learning and other prospects during the pandemic.
This is the time to add any interesting developments, new skills and activities completed during your pandemic-induced work hiatus, e.g. community involvement, volunteering work, online skills certification.
- Changing careers? Put your skills on top
Suppose your CV is already short, modern looking, error-free, and customised for the job you want. Congratulations, you’re closer to getting hired. However, as much as you revise your CV’s look, think about its content and how it fits your current employment situation.
If you are seeking employment in the same industry as before, you may want to keep your resume in chronological format with the work experience highlighted at the top.
However, if you are changing careers entirely due to the negative impact of Covid-19 on your industry (travel, entertainment etc.), focus on your skills first rather than work experience. Place your abilities and significant career highlights at the top, followed by a summary of your work history. Why? Your work roles may not be as relevant anymore.
When prioritising skills, think of those relevant to the new career, and list transferable skills such as team management, leadership, customer service or the ability to delegate.
If the role entails working from home or collaborating remotely, enlist all tech aptitudes and digital skills needed to do a proper job. For example, ensure you add online project management tools like Zoom, Skype, Asana or Trello if you are familiar with them.
Mention any online webinars, classes or certificates completed before and during the Covid-19. For example, certification like Google Ads management or Google Analytics can help you get hired as a digital marketing or SEO specialist.
- Need more CV appeal? Showcase your best work
Make your resume stand out by including a portfolio or showcase of your previous work highlights, awards and accomplishments. Choose the best examples of projects, blogs, articles and designs that highlight your creative flair, talent and experience.
Be selective and topical with your portfolio mention to keep the resume short and uncluttered. It’s best to include a hyperlink to a personal website, blog, presentation, video or other medium containing more details about your work. Remember to always use facts and substantiate your skills and abilities wherever possible.
Professional Sourcing specialises in executive placements within the African continent. Get in touch to find out more about current C-suite vacancies.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.
Professional Sourcing has a strong reputation for highly developed recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. We develop strong long-term relationships with our loyal clients. Allow us to help you deal with your frustrations of a lengthy hiring process.
Professional Sourcing is a top-tier South African-based recruitment agency operating internationally, IPM accredited, LEVEL 2 BEE RATED and 51% Black Owned.